Arsene Wenger Pays Gary Speed Respects

I think it`s safe to say that anyone connected with football was stunned at the tragic death of Wale Manager, Gary Speed, Arsene Wenger was no different.

Despite not knowing the player personally, the Arsenal manager knew him and his talents as a player, and says he was one to be feared.

Speaking with the official club site, Wenger express his sadness.

'It was a shock of course. I did not know him very well as a person but you did not like to see him on the team against you. You knew he was a great player - very good in the air, fantastic work-rate and very intelligent on the football pitch."

'As a manager he had started to turn things around for Wales. We know they have a young promising team and he was the ideal figure to go with this side from improvement to improvement."

'It is extremely sad. I am speechless when confronted by things like this. All we can do is express our condolences to his friends and his family.'